DETROIT, MI -- The metal detector alerted security at the Coleman A. Young Municipal Center when a 52-year-old Detroit man attempted to pass on his way to a Retirement Board meeting about 12:30 p.m. Thursday.

The Wayne County Sheriff's Department says the X-ray machine detected a 15-inch knife blade hidden inside the cane and the man was detained and turned over to the Detroit Police Department.

The man was placed in a holding cell at the Coleman A. Young Municipal Center from about 12:20 p.m. until 1:40 p.m., according to Wayne County spokesman Dennis Niemiec.

"The handle of the cane also served as the knife's handel," sheriff's officials said in a statement. "The man told police that he received the cane from a friend and did not know it had a knife in it."

The man had no outstanding warrants and is permitted to carry a concealed weapon; however, that right does not carry over into public buildings.

He was transferred into Detroit police custody, sheriff's officials say; however, Detroit police on Friday weren't immediately able to provide information on whether the man was cited or charged, or how long he remained in their custody.

"We have no record of him being in our custody," Detroit Police Officer Jennifer Moreno said.